Mark always claimed that this one is an MZ ES250/half. It is actually designated as a Stroke Zero. It was manutactured in 1962 during the cutover between the Stroke Zero and the Stroke One and therefore to use up spares MZ put on parts from the older model. Thus a Stroke Half. That at least is the story told by Mark. I have done no research so feel free to comment.
It is a complete bike but rough round the edges for anyone who wants to take it on. It is not registered in this. Country and I do not know it is a runner.
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I spent many a happy (and beery) hour discussing "fractional MZs" with Mark and I seen to remember this was the one that started it. /0 was used for the original model (ES250 in this case) The 250 had the long sidepanels with panniers attatched, adjustable shocks back and front, adjustable with a tommy bar, an external lever on the front brake plate and an adjustable pillion grab handle. The /1 (ES250/1)had small covers over the battery box/airfilter set up, adjustable shocks with with a built in handle (like all subsequent MZs) on the back and non adjustable front, the front brake lever moved to inside the brake and the grab handle was not adjustable.(We will leave discussion of flatside vs roundslide carburettors aside!) So this bike became the first of many fractional MZs, sharing some features of the /0 (sidepanels brake and rear shocks) and some of the /1 (front shocks and non adjustable grab handle). I think we even found a review and pictures in a copy of Der Strassenverkher.
ReplyDeleteThese are beautiful bikes. I've always wanted one but sadly I'm the far side of the world so that makes it a bit of a challenge.
ReplyDeleteCheers
Paul
What a beautiful bike.
ReplyDeleteWhat I would give for a ride let alone own it. What a bike!